Spaghetti And Drop Meatballs With Tomato Sauce
Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Italian dish that has become a staple in American households. This recipe for spaghetti and drop meatballs with tomato sauce is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the steps of making this delicious dish from scratch.
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
For the tomato sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
For the spaghetti:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 4 quarts water
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.
3. Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, form the meat mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
4. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tomato sauce. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
6. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
7. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Add the salt to the boiling water before adding the spaghetti. Cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
9. Drain the spaghetti and return it to the pot. Add the tomato sauce and meatballs to the pot and stir well to combine.
10. Serve the spaghetti and meatballs hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
1. To make the meatballs easier to form, wet your hands with water before rolling the meat mixture into balls.
2. If you prefer a smoother tomato sauce, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce before adding the meatballs.
3. Store any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Spaghetti and drop meatballs with tomato sauce is a delicious and comforting meal that is sure to please everyone at the table. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can make this classic Italian dish from scratch. Whether you're cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to impress.
